Anniversary at the OBGYN

10/10/24

I was beyond delighted when I went to schedule my first OB appointment with non fertility doctors and they gave us the date October 10th, our 4th wedding anniversary. Not only would we get to see our little one, but we’d get to hear the heart for the first time!!! I’ve been waiting for this moment for years.

We went in and the ultrasound tech said we could use the over the belly sonogram and not the vaginal wand. I was so excited! After years of the other kind of sonogram at SGF, it made me feel like a real pregnant lady! She herself actually worked at SGF before working here and was so touched by our story and was excited for us. She began and we saw our tiny baby! We could see little legs kick and the little arms wiggle. It looked like they were waving hello! Then the sonographer turned on the audio and tears came to my eyes. The strong and steady beats were the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard. A rush of joy and relief came over me and Michael had the biggest grin.

We then met with a nurse to do some questionnaires and get family history. She answered all our questions and it felt reassuring.The doctor did the same. With all my fears around pregnancy, you know I had a million questions! I never felt rushed and was comfortable and cared for. That is super important to me. The doctor also recommended we see a “high risk” MFM. They will serve as an extra set of doctors to monitor me and the baby and ensure everything goes well. Being specialists, they will be able to look at things more carefully as well as ensure my Lovenox doses are appropriate. That will be an added comfort.

Each anniversary, Michael and I have tried to stick with the traditional gifts for each year. For example, last year was “leather.” Michael got a custom print of my favorite book in a hand painted leather bound cover while I got him one of our wedding photos engraved on leather. Year 4 is either fruit/ flowers or appliances. These themes were a bit different, but we ended up finding the perfect presents. Michael went the appliance route. He got an at home baby doppler so we could hear the heart outside of appointments. It’s too early to use it yet, but it will be amazing to get to hear our little one’s heart any day of the week. I went the fruit route and went with a pineapple theme since that symbol has been a part of our story since our engagement (see the story here) and especially through IVF. I got little pineapple photo holders to use for sonogram pictures in his office and a little pineapple onsie.

The final gift of the evening was that fact that this night would be my last progesterone in oil (PIO) injection! These damn shots have made by bum lumpy and sore for so long now. I am beyond thrilled to be done with them. While I will continue the Lovenox injection all the way through 6 weeks post partum, I’d take those any day over PIO. It will all be worth it in the end!